Glenfarclas 25 Year Old

Yeah, it’s great stuff but I can’t help but think it gets to a point of diminishing returns at some stage, you know?

I thought sipping a 25 year old single malt would be like having Kylie Minogue sit on your face but whilst it was very good, I am increasingly convinced that like wine, it’s just a game of Hyperbole and snobbery.

I’m a huge fan of anything by Balvenie and while I agree that the 21 year is better than this, to be honest if you blind taste tested me I’d probably prefer the 14 Caribbean Cask too and certainly the 17 year as well.

This is very smooth with nice sherry notes but not enough toffee for me what with my favourite whisky probably being the Glenlivet Master distillers reserve small batch

Now, having just made that statement, I’m working my way currently towards more than 5 (‘large’), doubles, a mix of the Glenlivet mentioned above, the 18 year Glenlivet and the 25 year Glenfarclas and the latter is getting increasingly moreish with each imbibement; to wit, it is smoother than an oiled tit.

I bought this for £100-120 as I thought it was incredible value for a 25 year old whisky but the best value is still probably Glenfiddich’s 18 year for about £66. It is deeply complex, has a great bottle (can never get on board with Macallan, the ‘Rolls Royce’ of whisky’s but anaemic looking pish with a cheap Chardonnay bottle, urgh) and a great deep colour; proper magical stuff.

I’d like to see a bunch of people here actually posting comments, taste test a bunch of variably priced whisky’s blindly: I reckon most of them, myself included wouldn’t immediately know a 12 year old Glenlivet from the 52 year old Macallan (you would have to have a hole in your head to actually drink that!? £79k, and people question why I’m dubious about untrammelled free markets, Christ).

I humbly suggest master of malt offer a testing with a few of us, including professional tasters, offering a variety of whiskies of varying values and posting it on YouTube for posterity and see if any mere mortal can determine the class from the dross.

I leave it in the very capable hands of the purveyors of this fine website to arrange this. I’m sure you can confirm my IP address but I’m here when you need me (winking face emoji)...

27th December 2019

OMG - absolutely amazing! I always thought that 'old' Scotches were a waste of money and tried a few that I felt did not warrant the price. However, after trying this one, I was so blown away by the quality, nose and flavour, that I had to write this! Just break a wee dram at room temperature with a tiny splash of highland spring water and see if I am wrong! What a wonderful Scotch, worth every penny and I thought the 15 year old Glenfarclas Single Malt was the best I had tasted!

28th November 2019

Some of these reviews are so mixed and I honestly think are based on basic palates. This is about as good as it gets unless you are chasing single cask releases above the $400 mark. It’s 25 years old, let it sit and open up, use a Glencairne glass and realize what you are sipping, and if your palate isn’t good enough to experience this fully maybe go back to Nikka from the Barrel and Johnnie Walker Platinum BLENDED trash. 4.8/5

17th November 2019

Nice dram if you let it sit about 15 minutes. That’s about when it gets good legs on it and rounds out to a smooth experience. Probably just a tad over priced, but I’m not complaining. Improves with good company. Can’t wait to share with my Dad during the Christmas Holiday Season.

20th October 2019

I have given only a few whiskies a perfect 10/10 score on here but this probably deserves an 11/10 this is a very special whisky. Let it sit for 25 minutes before nosing it so you can really appreciate it so much sherry, cinnamon red apples, toffee, hint of menthol, gingerbread, cocoa, the chaps at mom hit these tasting notes right on the nose. Truly spectacular with the longest finish I've ever had in a whisky that just continues to develop new flavors on the palate. Glenfarclas never ceases to astonish me with how good their product is and for the price you just can't beat em. Epic dram. Cheers! The Sugarbear

8th September 2019

There’s a reviewer further down saying he doesn’t like this then comparing it with laphroig saying it’s better. That’s like comparing black and white, two different whiskies all together. Some people should really think before they speak.

This is an excellent 25 year old and a fraction of the price of many 25 year old malts out there. Excellent from a great wee family distillery

7th September 2019

Absolutely love the 15 so I wasn't impressed when I first opened the bottle but a few months later and it is phenomenal.

20th July 2019

Never ending finish!! As the minutes go by the layers of complexity keep on coming. It costs the tongue with a wonderful buttery creamy feeling. One of my all time favourites!

17th March 2019

I would recommend it

29th January 2019

Outstanding

24th January 2019

not as good as before??! i think 15yo and 21yo is very close.

still a good whisky though

7th January 2019

Overpriced, overrated even at 4 stars. This is just simply a poorly made whisky lacking any interesting flavors or depth. Hot on the tongue, harsh on the nose, and just less than mediocre on every front.

Tried it neat, with a melted ice cube, a splash of soft water, and with various snack foods. Nothing could save it.

As a reference a few of my favorites are Laphroaig 10 (cask strength), Hakashu 12, JW Platinum 18, Nikka Straight From the Barrel, Blanton's, and Four Roses Single Barrel. All of these are better for less money in my opinion.

24th December 2018

A little over priced but with a good nose and tastes of wild burnt flowers,so not bad but would be better in another cheaper price range, However, worth a 5 star

22nd September 2018

very smooth

24th January 2018

Excellent. Very long finish, creamy and smooth.

1st December 2017

Nice flavor but not much different then the 21.

13th November 2017

First bottle I bought was delicious..especially flavours on swallowing..oaky,coffee..etc..BUT next bottle I got..6 weeks later,was lighter and just not as delish. Batches differ maybe..but has put me off slightly..what was originally my fave dram ever..due to inconsistent bottles!😎

12th November 2017

Wow - Wonderful nose !
Warm, thick & creamy in the mouth - Sweetness gives way to a prickly warmth on the end of the tongue. This is the first 25 yr old malt that I've purchased & I think it's fantastic.
My other drams this year have been Old Pulteney 17 & 21 yr old & Bunnahabhain 18 yr old & as much as I love these malts - Glenfarclas 25 yr old just has something more to offer.

22nd September 2017

Probably... the worlds best Whisky pound for pound... period. It's incredible that this distillery can offer such an barnstorming whisky for a shade over £100 in 2017. I was in two minds whether to actually bother writing this review as it's a real secret gem but Glenfarclas deserves praise.

I've been drinking Whisky for a while now and would consider myself fairly experienced. Certainly experienced enough to know that this whisky needs time, lots of it. If your naive enough to pop the cork and consume the bottle in a week or so, you're not getting the best out of the quarter century malt.

Give it time, savour it and boy you will be rewarded.

I'm genuinely concerned that this malt will start to catch up with some of its contemporaries on the price. E.g £250-£300. I may have to buy a case quick smart to potentially avoid huge disappointment.

Just buy a bottle and enjoy!

9th August 2017

Sweet lingers with honey bouquet, yet unexpectedly light on palate, with a sherry undertone. Best to be enjoyed on its own. A great price point for a 25-year old dram, but the taste feels more like half of the age statement, which probably explains the price!

16th June 2017

I am not a Scotch expert. I am a normal gentleman that has tried several Single Malt Whiskeys in restaurants, and wants to learn more. To do that I recently purchased 10 samples. At least one was from each region of Scotland. I had no regard for price. The goal was to try some very fine Whiskeys. I wanted to learn. This review is based on that. I am giving each sample 5 stars simply because they are all fine whiskeys and my pallet is not refined enough to make a 1-5 judgement.

This is a great Whiskey. Very smooth, with just a hint of Sherry taste. Very smooth. Very drinkable. Of all the samples I bought ths was far and away the lowest priced. It was also one of the best. I'll guarantee that there will be a bottle of this in my cupboard.

12th February 2017

Picked this up for special occasions (we will see if that last). Easily one of the top 3 drams I have ever had.

5th January 2017

Though a little underwhelming for a 25yr character, this is a great whisky. Not too much influence from either the oak or the distillery. Very good balance without one overpowering the other.
Nose - Slight menthol, sherry & mild chocolate
Palate - Smooth. Full body. The long maturation is easily enjoyable. Superb. Mild spice, chocolate & cinnamon.
Finish - Long. Bitter sweetness.
I have 3 family cask Glenfarclas -1986/1988 & 1991. They are amazing whiskies. Excellent balance. But they are slightly better because of the high ABV.

A few might lack the experience in tasting much aged whiskies & their reviews probably reflect just the analysis of the intensity of the whisky.

4th January 2017

I'm about 1/4 into my bottle now. I find the complexity and thickness of this liquid changes when the dram is poured and left for at least 20mins. I keep my whisky in a dark cool cupboard so I think the change to a warmer temperature helps this open up. This bottle was supposed to be kept for special occasions but I find drinking this 25 is a special occasion so it's catch 22!! This is a cross between a Christmas cake and a Black Forest gateaux with extra cherries. You can sip this and chew it, splendid stuff

24th December 2016

Beautifully balanced Whisky at an excellent price point. Tried this back to back with the Kavalan Sherry Oak, the Glenfarcles 25 is just more elegant less in the face with the Sherry. Well worth the price.

27th November 2016

Don't get me wrong.. This is a really good scotch, but for a 25 ????? Hell no !

If you want to be blown away for the same price, Glengoyne 21.. You'll thank me later.

22nd October 2016

Enjoying the 25, especially at this price point. Sugars and spice pop out, balanced by earth and drying sherry. Alcohol is more aggressive on front than to be expected for an old scotch, but the finish is long and chewy.

21st October 2016

For me, perfection in a bottle.

11th September 2016

This is one of the best whiskies I've had hands down. Sherry fruit and chocolate for days. And for the price? Are you kidding? I picked it up for $139 from a Total Wine and recently saw it marked down to $119. A 25 year old for under $150? Simply unbeatable.

23rd June 2016

You can't go wrong with this one.

14th May 2016

Had a present of a bottle for my 65 th birthday, it was only surpassed by the 40 year old I was given on my visit to your distillery on my 60th birthday, there are whisky's and there are whisky's, but none can compare to Glenfarclas

27th March 2016

Had this whisky in a restaurant, the description is spot on. This will be my 15th whisky, most of them fruity and or chocolatey. Allthough i've had quite some amazing whiskies, this one is easily top 3. It truly caught my attention the moment I sniffed the complex flavours. Yves from Belgium

13th March 2016

My first "sherry" whisky (Im new to all this) was a bottle of Glenfarclas 17. I ordered a dram of the 25 and Ill be back for a full bottle. I'm no expert to leave fancy tasting notes but I bloody love this 25. Should I expect more with the Family Casks?

8th March 2016

Fantastic drop, with the best finish I have ever tasted. Anyhow, rich, full sherry taste all the time with magnificent spiciness and vanilla -citrusy flavor. Bugger the price, this whisky is worth every penny you invest in. I simply love, Simply the Best :-)))))

23rd December 2015

Had this in my whisky advent calendar & thoroughly enjoyed it. All others so far have needed a splash of water, but this was just like Heaven in a glass. Warm, smooth, delightful. No harshness in taste or smell.
I savoured every last drop, rueing the fact I only had a dream not a bottle.
Quickly disappeared from stock here - but I shall be buying it when back in!
My first Glenfarclas but certainly not my last.

7th December 2015

The nose was sharp, alcohol-front, with a light touch hinting at the possibility of a full body flavored, yet underwhelming. As it hit my tongue the first moment was the standard fire of alcohol from a bottle 10-years its junior. It then slips wetly around the tongue, with a touch of sweet fruit, but no real body. It gives off slight hints of smoke, enough that my pregnant wife stated, "Oh, you're drinking another glass of leather..." but it was literally a hint. The aftertaste was mostly of honey, alcohol, and a fresh palate ready to drink something with more body.

I would drink it again, but I would not pay more than $75 for a bottle.




Final Note: I am doing the 2015 advent calendar. As a result, I get one drink at it to decide if I like it enough to buy more. Sometimes I need to drink something three or four times to make up my mind. Thus, my rating is based on a one-time drink experience.

2nd December 2015

Some of the previous reviews left me feeling less than excited to taste this drop. I'm very pleased to announce its a delightful dram. Reminds me of Christmas pud, very sweet and very long. No nasal burn and no harsh alcohol taste. Not normally my thing, but if you got the dosh, then have a taste.

1st December 2015

Oranges, cloves, mint, then chocolate, leather, and oak. A complex whisky. I very slightly prefer the 15, though, which is exceptional value for money.

1st December 2015

Having gotton use to the Family Cast, I find this one lacking. I would prefer more complexity. However it is a good Glenfarcus and it is a wonderful drink. Given that it cost less than a comparable Family Cast, I would say this is a good value. I gave 3 ½ stars because for the money it's a great buy and wonderful to drink. I'm just spoiled by the a Family Cast.

17th June 2015

This is one of my favorites. Smooth and has a nice balance of dried fruit, bittersweet chocolate, and oakieness with a hint of cinnamon. The light spiciness and sherry hints make this a really nice dram of whisky.

27th May 2015

A great whisky, at a great price.
I take issue with the reviews below stating this is not up to standard. It's simply not the case and clearly don't know what there talking about, referencing a £235 bottle as a better alternative??
As with macallan and glengoyne, this has also spent its full maturation in sherry casks. The higher the age, the longer the flavours are absorbed into the spirit. Giving a deep, full bodied taste, full of dried fruit.
This bottle easily matches the glengoyne 21. I'm not saying its better. But you can search reviews online to see how highly regarded this dram is and at this price you will struggle to find better.
Macallan 25 is £695 to put it in perspective and the dalmore 25 is £625, to name just a few.

7th May 2015

We feel for our taste buds that this is parallel to the MacAllen 18 in all aspects from flavors, to smells, to smoothness
Would most certainly buy this and give as a gift

30th April 2015

I bought the 25 y/o Glenfarclas for the outcome of tax season (good season, cheers! Bad season, get drunk). It turned out to be a good tax year and I brought out the bottle in celebration with my mates and all of our faces were inexpressive. There was no distinctive bang, too much bite, the aroma has a fairly nice waft, but breathing it too close burns the nose. We only had one drink and called it a night.Now I'm drinking the bottle alone in order to make room for a standard Jack or Jameson 1/25 or 1/2 this bottle's age and 1/5 the price. This drink does not make me look forward to its consumption. I waited a year to drink it and should have waited longer. If I go fancy, I'm sticking to Glenfiddich 21 or higher. That number 25 on the label has curb appeal, but no value on the quality.

7th April 2015

Having tried several of the Glenfarclas lineup (not including family casks), I think I can say that this one fits right in and acts its age. It is unmistakably Glenfarclas. The nose is typical of the distillery, though sweeter and perhaps softer. It is dangerously drinkable. I could see where some might complain of it being too subtle... but I don't think that is the case. It shouldn't be compared to the likes of Aberlour and Glendronach.

25th March 2015

The palate is not my personal favorite, but the nose is just mindblowing, so much complex sherry. Watch out though, the nose could be addicting if you like sherry.

20th March 2015

My father is 80 in a week's time and loves Glenfarclas 15 year old, so I thought I'd splash out on something a bit special. So I come here to check out the reviews on the Glenfarclas 25, but find two that appear to be advertising Glengoyne, both citing the Glengoyne 21 and 25. However the Glengoyne 25 is £234, so why on earth cite it when reviewing a whisky that costs £116? And `Steve' if there really are whiskies in Sainsburys costing just £20, but the equal of this one, please do tell me which ones they are as I can save a lot of money. Maybe the Glenfarclas was just too subtle for your tastebuds?

30th January 2015

I have to agree with the review below. This whisky is in no way complex or rich in flavour when you compare it to the Glengoyne 21 and the Glengoyne 25. The Glengoyne 21 is thick, rich and full of flavour, the Glenfarclas 25 and the 21 are both terribly overpriced and with little flavour.

12th December 2014

I bought this on the strength of the reviews here but am very disappointed. I enjoy the Glengoyne 21 and 25 and several Glendronach sherried malts, the rich fruity taste and long spice finishes. The Glenfarclas 25 is none of those, it's a very subtle whisky, there is no strong taste, very little taste at all in fact and even the nose is plain and dry. This tastes like a cheap 10 year old whisky, not unpleasant and certainly drinkable but a Macallan 10, many of the The Balvenies and even Arberlour 12 all have a deeper, richer flavour with more complexity and a stronger finish than this and all cost half the price of this.

I can't see the appeal, if you want a light, easy drink then spend £20 in Sainsbury's, not over £107 on this. Waste of money when you consider that a Glengoyne 21 is the same price, chalk and cheese !
Steve

3rd November 2014

This one is a very good, refined whisky, one that develops curious raw cocoa & sacher notes that I couldn't find in any other glass in a lineup of their current 15-40 year olds. It's nuttier than the rest of the bunch and the one that stands out as a bit of a surprise when you nose the different age bottlings in succession. Good stuff.

20th August 2014

I have now sampled all the glenfarclas standard range. Have to say like them all, this is perhaps the best one it's complex but accessible. The 40 is great very complex but not sure it's what I want in a speysider 30 I did not really see much difference to this not sure worth the extra outlay 21 again a bit to similar to the 15 and 17.

Think this and the 12 the prefect couple for any collection as best all round examples of this distillery. But that said would not exclude any of the others...

1st March 2014

Smooth and balanced, the sherried notes are strong but not over powering. The nose has tones of fruit, and the taste is like buttery toast. As stated by the guys at MOM, it's the finish where this malt excels, as it's long and full. Excellent!

9th December 2013

Opened this on my daughters first birthday. One of the best whiskeys I have ever drunk. This is a sherried finish heavyweight!

15th September 2013

Simplement merveilleux

10th November 2012

Really nice and fresh, but complex enough. Nice dried fruit, cinnamon and cocoa notes along with sherry and bit of oak. Some almonds notes in aftertaste. This is one of my all time favorites.If you want serious sherry monster look no further Glenfarclas and Glendronach. Sorry, not Macallan. Povilas

18th May 2012

Lovely

21st April 2012

No menthol, just ripe apples and fruits, great taste. Lovely oaky sweetness which you can chew for ages

21st April 2012

above review was meant for the 30 year old... hehe. that'll teach me to drink all 5 drams in a tasting set so quickly

14th December 2011

this is a stunner. only tries a sample so far but this bottle is on my future purchase list..

14th December 2011

We tried this together with older Glenfarclas but I think this beauty was the best

19th April 2011